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Spiced Poached Pear on Chocolate Rice

It’s one of those days. I’m feeling rather home sick. This is the sixth month in Istanbul and I haven’t quite arrived, yet. When speaking to people, most say it takes up to one year, and the catalyst is learning the language. So maybe that’s something I should consider.

For now, I’m getting comfort from cooking homely food and trying new recipes. Earlier today I had the luxury of sitting in a tea shop with a book… can’t remember the last time I had the time to read a book!

Spiced Poached Pear with Chocolate Rice (for two for breakfast or as an afternoon snack)

Poaching pears is super easy but takes a bit of time, so best to do this first and then worry about the chocolate rice later.

Method:
1. Take a large pot and fill it half with water. Add cinnamon stick, molasses, ground cinnamon and ginger and bring to a boil.
2. Meanwhile peel the pears. I left them whole, but you can also cut in half.
3. Add the pears to the spiced water and simmer for about 1 hour with the lid closed.

4. Add the rice, coconut flakes, chocolate and milk to a pot, bring to a boil and simmer.
5. Keep stirring as the liquid is evaporating until the rice is all cooked. Should take about 25 minutes.

6. Divide the rice into two bowls and top with a poached pear each. Sprinkle some cocoa powder or ground chocolate for serving.